You may have seen people wearing Sunflower lanyards. They’re also sometimes called Hidden Disability lanyards. But who are they for and why do people wear them? And should you be wearing one? Find out in this article.
Just because you cannot see a disability, does not mean it’s not there
How many of us have a hidden disability?
How does the Sunflower lanyard work?
Which hidden disabilities qualify for a Sunflower lanyard?
Where is the Sunflower lanyard recognised?
Do many people understand what the Sunflower lanyard means?
How do you get a Sunflower lanyard?
What is a Sunflower lanyard?
The Sunflower lanyard, or Hidden Disability lanyard, is a simple tool that enables you to share the fact you have a disability or condition which may not be immediately obvious. It shows to transport staff, teachers and healthcare professionals, and others, that you need additional support in some way. For example, you may need help to understand something. You may need extra time in shops, at work, or boarding a train. Or you may need some form of assistance in public spaces.
Launched in the UK by Hidden Disabilities in 2016, the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme was first used to support travellers who needed help at Gatwick airport. It was then rolled out nationally and later, globally.
Just because you cannot see a disability, does not mean it’s not there
Although some disabilities are not visible, they’re still very much there. Hidden disabilities can be temporary, permanent, or may depend on the situation you’re in. And they can be experienced differently by everyone.
They can be neurological (to do with the brain, spinal cord, or nerves), neurodevelopmental (to do with the development of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves), or cognitive (often to do with thinking, reasoning or remembering).
Hidden disabilities can also be physical disorders, such as visual, auditory or sensory (to do with seeing, hearing and sensing things). As well as difficulty in processing things. Many chronic (long-term) health conditions can also be considered hidden disabilities.
How many of us have a hidden disability?
Currently, about 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. And around 80% of these are not visible. That means about 1 in 8 of us have a hidden disability.* Some people have a combination of both visible and hidden disabilities.
How does the Sunflower lanyard work?
Wearing the Sunflower lanyard is a good way to discreetly make others aware that a little help, consideration, or more time would be appreciated. It does not tell anyone which disability you have. Nor does it tell them exactly how they can help. It simply tells them that you might need extra help. For example, someone with autism might need the lights turned down. Or to be somewhere quiet. And someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may require an aisle seat at the cinema, or on a plane, because they need to visit the bathroom more often.
Ideally, the lanyard wearer will be asked if they need help by someone who can support them. At the very least, it should make it easier for the wearer to ask for help. If they choose, wearers can attach an ID card to the end of their lanyard with details about their condition, and the support they may need.
Which hidden disabilities qualify for a Sunflower lanyard?
People don’t need a formal diagnosis to wear one. The lanyard is often used by people with asthma, autism, dementia, diabetes, dyslexia, epilepsy, learning disabilities and Crohn’s disease. It could also help people with mental health conditions, mobility issues, and speech or hearing difficulties.
Anyone with a condition that makes it difficult to cope with life outside the home, whether for work, shopping, leisure, or travel, can consider wearing the Sunflower lanyard. The list of hidden disabilities is growing every day, as more and more become recognised by the Hidden Disabilities Scheme.
Where is the Sunflower lanyard recognised?
In the UK, the Sunflower lanyard is recognised by major airports, the railway network, the NHS, emergency services, universities, schools, colleges, supermarkets, leisure facilities, theme parks and theatres. Along with an increasing number of small and large businesses, and over 350 charities.
It’s also been launched in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the USA.
Do many people understand what the Sunflower lanyard means?
There is still a lack of knowledge about what the lanyard means. Thankfully, though, many global organisations are being trained to help people recognise hidden disabilities, and to provide the support wearers may need. As more people with hidden disabilities wear the Sunflower lanyard, awareness of what it means will increase.
Why was a sunflower chosen?
A sunflower was chosen as the image because it’s visible from a distance. It’s joyful and represents happiness and positivity. And it also suggests strength, growth and confidence.
How do you get a Sunflower lanyard?
Sunflower lanyards can be purchased online from the Hidden Disabilities store. There are also many places you can get a lanyard for free. These include Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Argos, and most UK airports. Some universities offer them to students free of charge.
Sunflower lanyards are given to institutions and companies that are members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower group. Which means they will have sunflower lanyards to give out to colleagues and customers. If you belong to an organisation, it’s worth asking if they have any Sunflower lanyards.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Join over 800,000 customers who already enjoy the benefits of a all-inclusive package through the Scheme. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Check if you’re eligible to join the Scheme
Request a free information pack to learn more about the Scheme.
Related articles
Getting around with a hidden disability
8 things you can get with Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Top 10 days out for people with hidden disabilities
